GDHQNHL15_2pg-St. Louis Blues 1

Edmonton Oilers Gameday HQ

St. Louis
BLUES WESTERN CONFERENCE
Key Additions:
C Paul Stastny, C Jori Lehtera,
C Peter Mueller, D Carl
Gunnarsson
Key Subtractions:
G Ryan Miller, C Vladimir
Sobotka, C Derek Roy, LW
Brendan Morrow, D Roman
Polak
Strengths:
Superior special teams and
depth throughout the lineup.
Weaknesses:
Goaltending competition is a
minor question.
Offense
The Blues lay claim to one of the most physical groups of forwards
in the entire NHL. This fearsome set of forwards that specialize in
forechecking the opposition’s defense is led by captain David Backes.
Backes set the tone on a number of occasions last season as he came
away with 273 hits during the 2013-14 regular season, good enough to
tie for third in the entire league. While the Blues captain is best known
for his physical prowess, he is also relied upon to produce offensively.
In 74 games played, he put up nearly 60 points (27 goals, 30 assists) and
came away with a plus/minus of +12, showing that he is one of the better
defensive players in the league as well.
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises for the Blues last season was the
play of Russian winger Vladimir Tarasenko. The 22-year old registered
43 points (21 goals, 22 assists) in 64 games played. While most youngsters
falter under the pressure of the playoffs, Tarasenko thrived as he tallied
four goals in six games for the Blues. Blessed with size and scoring ability,
Tarasenko is primed for a breakout year.
The Blues made a big splash in the free agent market as well by
signing center Paul Stastny away from the division rival Colorado
Avalanche. Stastny will slot in on the top line between Alexander
Steen (33 goals, 29 assists) and T.J. Oshie (21 goals, 39 assists). You may
remember Oshie from the U.S. Olympic team as he was called upon
repeatedly to take the shootout attempts against Russia. He is a specialist
in the area. The Blues hope Stastny’s (25 goals, 35 assists) arrival will free
up Backes’ line to create more offensively.
Defense
With a top pair defense that rivals any in the league, the Blues
have a sound group of players on the blue line. The conversation starts
with Alex Pietrangelo when talking about the St. Louis defense corps.
Pietrangelo finished fifth in the Norris Trophy race as he scored 51 points
(8 goals, 43 assists) from the back-end. At just 24-years-old, his best years
CENTRAL DIVISION
David Backes
Mark Buckner/NHL/Getty Images